Our Opinion: Sporting news

FSU, Tallahassee find pride in NFL draft

What a way to cap off a week for Florida State Seminole football fans, and Tallahassee in general.

This year's opening night of the National Football League draft was sweet for local fans, as three Seminoles were selected, meaning that we can expect to follow the heroics first witnessed at Doak Campbell Stadium now on Sunday afternoons.

The selection of quarterback EJ Manuel was perhaps the most significant news, as he became the second FSU quarterback selected in the first round in the past three years.

It caps a tremendous year for Mr. Manuel, who's calm, collected yet competitive style of leadership earned him great respect in Tallahassee, even from those die-hard fans who publicly and privately questioned if his accomplishments would ever match the hype that preceded his walk onto the field.

But Mr. Manuel provided great athletic skill and maturity while helping to lead the return of the Seminoles to a powerhouse contender.

Applause also goes out to first-round choices defensive end Bjoern Werner, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who is headed to Minnesota.

Before it's over, the Seminoles could claim close to a dozen players joining rosters of NFL teams.

But it was Mr. Manuel's comments to another former Seminole great, Deion Sanders, after being selected by Buffalo, that says something about the man and his character.

"I'm just so happy for me and my family and my teammates at Florida State," he said. "With Coach (Jimbo) Fisher being here, I'm just so proud, man."

Even Bills general manager Buddy Nix spoke highly of Mr. Manuel, who went through most of this season also concerned about the health of his mother, who was battling breast cancer.

"This guy has leadership qualities and he is smart," Mr. Nix said.

The draft caps off a week of major news from FSU athletics, from the agreement by presidents of the universities in the Atlantic Coast Conference to make a long-term commitment with the conference to Friday's announcement that legendary former coach Bobby Bowden would be returning to Doak Campbell for two games this fall - his first visit since he was replaced in in 2009.

We join this community in wishing this year's draft choices the best in their NFL careers.